Equine Manager

 Summary of Purpose:

Manage and lead daily aspects of horse care, treatment, training and outcomes. Assist in representing KHS publicly through PR, social media, partnerships and community relations.

Duties (Essential Functions):

Management of the Equine Program

• Manage and oversee daily care, treatment, and training of animals in care.
• Administer medications and treatments to ill/injured animals under direction from a veterinarian; train equine care team to administer medications and treatments as appropriate.
• Schedule and assist with Veterinarian and Farrier appointments; ensure follow-up care protocols are followed by equine care team.
• Participate in rescue/field work for Equine CARE team as needed; lead team as needed in rescue efforts.
• Manage and oversee transport of horses to and from Willow Hope Farm.
• Ensure protocols are followed for equine intake, data collection, medical procedures, training assessments, and adoption; provide feedback on capacity for care and number of equines house at Willow Hope Farm.
• Coordinate placement of equines into adoptive homes, foster homes, and rescue groups and provide follow-up support.
• Train staff and volunteers at Willow Hope Farm in rescue situations.
• Collaborate with Equine Director to create content for marketing and social media for Equine CARE.
• Assist in euthanasia decisions and procedures as needed.

Organizational Management

• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for best practices in equine welfare and maintain industry standards.
• Ensure that the department operates according to legal, regulatory, safety, and security compliance.
• Work within guidelines of annual budget and in compliance with KHS strategic plan as it relates to equine services.

Relationship Management

• Collaborate with the Equine Director and Willow Hope Farm Manager to maintain communications with partner agencies, industry contacts, and the horse community.
• Participate as needed in the strategic planning process for equine services.
• Participate in and represent KHS at events promoting proactive solutions and the Equine CARE program.
• Communicate with Equine Director regarding unusual activities, significant problems or concerns.

Other duties as assigned.

• 1+ years of management or supervisory experience preferred.
• 3+ years experience working with horses of unknown health and behavior preferred.
• Ability to load, haul and handle horses for transport.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of equine health, medical needs, and treatment.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently/meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with little direct supervision.
• Ability to envision long-range goals and apply them to daily operations.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people of all backgrounds and personalities.
• Humane attitude towards animals.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life service and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances.
• Accept, support, and represent KHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and be willing to drive KHS vehicles.
• Ability to work a schedule inclusive of one weekend day.
• Background Check required.

Physical, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Demands/ Working Environment

• Individual will have periods of sitting, communicating, and listening.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing regularly while performing job functions.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 lbs.
• Working in an indoor desk environment and working with animals in a farm setting or events (indoor/outdoor) in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent travel outside of Louisville/Simpsonville.
• Potential for exposure to allergens (including but not limited to pet dander, dust, peanut butter), and zoonotic diseases (diseases transferred from animals to humans).
• Exposure to chemicals.
• Exposure to loud noise.
• Exposure to emotional circumstances.
• Fast-paced environment.